Neural Control of Respiration MCQ Quiz | Respiratory System

Welcome to this specialized MCQ quiz on the Neural Control of Respiration, a critical topic within the MBBS Respiratory System module. This quiz is designed to test your understanding of the intricate neural mechanisms that regulate breathing, from the brainstem respiratory centers to peripheral chemoreceptors and reflex pathways. You will encounter 25 challenging questions covering the roles of the DRG, VRG, pontine centers, chemoreceptors, and various respiratory reflexes. This assessment will help you consolidate your knowledge for university exams and clinical applications. After submitting your answers, you will receive your score and a detailed breakdown of correct and incorrect responses. You can also download all questions with their correct answers in a PDF format for future revision.

1. The Dorsal Respiratory Group (DRG) of neurons, located in the medulla oblongata, is primarily responsible for:

2. The pre-Bötzinger complex, located within the Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG), is considered the primary:

3. The pneumotaxic center, located in the upper pons, exerts its primary effect on respiration by:

4. Central chemoreceptors are most sensitive to changes in which of the following?

5. The Hering-Breuer inflation reflex is initiated by stimulation of which receptors?

6. Peripheral chemoreceptors, located in the carotid and aortic bodies, are primarily stimulated by:

7. A transection of the brainstem between the pons and medulla would result in which breathing pattern?

8. Stimulation of J-receptors (pulmonary C-fiber endings), often by pulmonary edema, typically leads to:

9. Why is CO2 a more potent regulator of respiration than H+ in the arterial blood?

10. Voluntary hyperventilation before diving increases breath-holding time primarily by:

11. The “inspiratory off-switch” signal, which terminates the inspiratory ramp, is primarily controlled by the:

12. Which of the following conditions would most powerfully stimulate the peripheral chemoreceptors?

13. Cheyne-Stokes respiration is characterized by a cyclic pattern of waxing and waning ventilation. It is often associated with:

14. Bilateral vagotomy (cutting both vagus nerves) in an anesthetized animal would lead to:

15. The Ventral Respiratory Group (VRG) is primarily involved in:

16. The apneustic center in the lower pons has what effect on respiration if unopposed?

17. During strenuous exercise, the primary stimulus for the marked increase in ventilation is believed to be:

18. The cough reflex is initiated by stimulation of irritant receptors in the larynx and lower airways. The efferent pathway for the explosive expiration involves:

19. In a patient with chronic hypercapnia (e.g., severe COPD), the primary drive to breathe may switch to being dependent on:

20. Which structure provides the ultimate voluntary control over breathing, allowing for actions like speaking and singing?

21. The breaking point of breath-holding is reached primarily when:

22. Which neurotransmitter is primarily used by the inspiratory neurons of the DRG to stimulate motor neurons of the phrenic nerve?

23. The ‘diving reflex’ in humans, triggered by cold water on the face, includes all of the following EXCEPT:

24. The neurons in the carotid bodies that sense hypoxia are called:

25. A lesion destroying the pneumotaxic center while keeping the vagus nerves intact would likely result in: